![cover image](https://wikiwandv2-19431.kxcdn.com/_next/image?url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/29/Mercury_Magnetic_Field_NASA.jpg/640px-Mercury_Magnetic_Field_NASA.jpg&w=640&q=50)
Mercury's magnetic field
Mercury's small magnetic field / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:
Can you list the top facts and stats about Mercury's magnetic field?
Summarize this article for a 10 year old
SHOW ALL QUESTIONS
Mercury's magnetic field is approximately a magnetic dipole (meaning the field has only two magnetic poles)[8] apparently global,[9] on planet Mercury.[10] Data from Mariner 10 led to its discovery in 1974; the spacecraft measured the field's strength as 1.1% that of Earth's magnetic field.[11] The origin of the magnetic field can be explained by dynamo theory.[12] The magnetic field is strong enough near the bow shock to slow the solar wind, which induces a magnetosphere.[13]
Quick Facts Discovery, Discovered by ...
![]() Graph showing relative strength of Mercury's magnetic field. | |
Discovery[1] | |
---|---|
Discovered by | Mariner 10 |
Discovery date | April 1974 |
Internal field[2][3] | |
Radius of Mercury | 2,439.7 ± 1.0 km |
Magnetic moment | 2 to 6 × 1012 T•m3 |
Equatorial field strength | 300 nT |
Dipole tilt | 0.0°[4] |
Solar wind parameters[5] | |
Speed | 400 km/s |
Magnetospheric parameters[6][7] | |
Type | Intrinsic |
Magnetopause distance | 1.4 RM |
Magnetotail length | 10–100 RM |
Main ions | Na+, O+, K+, Mg+, Ca+, S+, H2S+ |
Plasma sources | Solar wind |
Maximum particle energy | up to 50 keV |
Aurora |
Close